Shims? (1 Viewer)

[JamesM]

Well I was just putting some the new 2.5" springs on my '40 last night and noticed that when I took the old stock springs off there was a little shim under both sides. I guess maybe the PO put them on to try and correct the steering or something. He put the wide end to the front, which if I'm right, effectivly tips the third member down, and would correct the steering castor angle.. right? but now im stuck wondering why they where there to begin with. Do they come stock? regardless of that, should I leave them the way they where, flip them around (thick side to the back) to correct the Third member alignment, or take them out all-together?

I'm kinda new to cruisers, so If this seems like a stupid question, go easy on me

.. also does anyone have a partnumber off hand for shocks that'll fit the 2.5" taller springs?

 

[Pin_Head]

It would depend on what your caster angle is with the new springs, but if you want to take your chances without taking your cruiser to an alignment shop, I would install the shims with the fat end facing the shackle.

 

[mr_manny]

If your going to run shims, make sure to find steel shims (instead of the common aluminum ones).
Steel = will last forever
Aluminum = will break

 

[crushr]

The shims are not stock, are typically installed to correct caster angle when using longer than stock front shackles. I'd reinstal them, because extra caster is generally a good thing when running larger than stock tires.

Check out this thread for more info: https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=89413

HTH!

 

[Degnol]

When I removed my stock springs there were brass shims installed. The springs were the original flattened stock springs. I replaced the springs with 2.5" springs and did not reuse the shims, but I have a shackle reversal, so I don't know how that would affect your situation. Mine runs down the road straight.

GL

Ed

 

[JamesM]

I think I'll leave them the way they where if the pinion angle seems ok (which it should... its only 2.5 inches extra.. then I can always removed them or flip them if I think it'll help.

lol, now to find shocks... lordco and napa havn't been to helpfull with this at all. Anyone know what length of shock I should be using with the extra lift in the truck? should I just get shocks 2.5" longer than the stock ones?

 

[JamesM]

actually I was just finishing the install, and was looking at the front axle... with the shims on up front, how the heck do you line up the centerpin on the springs with where its supposed to slide in on the axle perch? The shim eats up the entire nut and theres nothing left to slide into the perch. I'm about 99% sure that if its not lined up the truck wont steer straight. what should I do?

 

[Degnol]

Get longer spring pins, or use the ones off your old springs.

Ed

 

[JamesM]

a little late for that.. but w/e. A Friend came over and helped me measure the wear marks off the old springs. so the new perches are within 1/8'th of where they're sposed to be.

I'm squaring up the u-bolts to the perches aswell, so that should get me pretty close.. close enough for the alignment shop to do there thing anyway.

thanks.

 

[Degnol]

You really need the spring pins to engage. It is a safety issue. Take out the shims if necessary.

 

[JamesM]

yea, i just pulled the shims out... the springs line up fine now, and I can deal with a tiny bit of castor angle problems from the tiny lift...

heh, I really can't see why the shims where in to begin with.. the rig is bone stock except for the 32" tires. Guess we'll never know what the PO's where ever thinking... I noticed filled rivet holes along the back wheel wells too, so I'm guessing it had flares at one point in its life... weird.